Protected multi-sided fingernail file

ABSTRACT

An apparatus includes three nail grooming structures each of varying sandpaper densities to allow the user to select the best one for optimum nail smoothness and when finished filing, an integrated outer cap is rotated to over a location which no longer exposes the grit surfaces so as to protect them from damage and maintain cleanliness.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to nail files, and more particularly to multi-sided nail files, each with a differing grit size to allow the user to select the best one for optimum nail smoothness and when finished filing, an integrated adjustable outer tube is rotated such that its open window no longer exposes the grit surfaces so as to protect them from damage and maintain cleanliness.

2. Description of Related Art

The purpose of this invention is to fulfill the need for a multi-sided nail file with differing grit sizes which are all protected through the use of an integrated rotatably protective adjustable cap, which is non-existent today.

The need to groom one's nails exists throughout a person's lifetime. In doing so, various options are available to trim and maintain the length of one's nails such as scissors and nail clippers, both of which may leave an undesired sharp point thus requiring the nail to be filed down to obtain a smooth surface. In the process of filing down a nail, file surfaces of multiple grit sizes are used. In order to achieve gratification of a smooth surface, one typically starts out filing the nail surface with the roughest grit and then sequentially steps down using files with smaller and smaller grit sizes until the desired smoothness is achieved. This practice involves the use of multiple nail files, each of which has their own size of grit.

A thorough review of prior art demonstrates the differences in the present device as a multi-sided nail file employing a means to protect those surfaces after use, which is non-existent today. Specific problems associated with nail grooming tools such as nail files and emery boards, are their limitations in providing the end user with a choice of more than two surface roughness options. Additionally, the protective sleeves of today's grooming tools are easily lost or damaged thereby leaving the surfaces exposed allowing them to be damaged or become dirty themselves, or inflict damage to other items such as sunglasses in close proximity while in a purse, handbag or other storage pouch.

Nothing known to the applicant in the prior art utilizes the unique combination of features and structural parameters of applicant's invention.

In sum, from the observation of the present invention and the prior art, it can be shown that use of this invention provides a greater utility to the user to groom one's nails in a more efficient manner while protecting itself and other items from damage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The protected multi-sided fingernail file is a hand held and hand operated device comprising a rigid rectangular inner piece consisting of four faces, three of which are each lined with grit of differing sizes to provide for various surface roughness. A fourth side of the nail file is left blank and does not contain any grit and is not intended to be a grooming surface for one's nails. The rectangular inner piece is protected by a slightly shorter attached outer tube which can rotate about the fixed inner piece. The outer tube contains a slotted opening which then the user can rotate into position to any one of the three coated grit surfaces when nail grooming is desired. When grooming is complete and the nail file is ready for storage, the user then rotates the outer tube such that its opening is over the blank surface of the rectangular inner piece. This then protects the three grit surfaces from damage and dirt and likewise protects the other contents of the purse, handbag, or carrying pouch.

In a preferred embodiment one surface of the rectangular inner piece is coated with coarsest grit, the second surface is coated with grit not as coarse as the first and the third surface is coated with the finest grit of all three surfaces. The fourth surface of the rectangular inner piece is left uncoated. The opening in the outer tube is wide enough to accommodate a typical adult sized fingernail so as to allow access to the grit surface below. The length of the opening in the outer tube is similar to that of today's emery boards which allows for adequate back and forth motion during the nail grooming process.

In a preferred embodiment one surface of the rectangular inner piece is coated with coarsest grit which the user typically would start out with. The user would then typically proceed to the second surface which is coated with grit not as coarse as the first surface. Finally, to achieve the smoothest nail surface, the user then rotates the window of the outer tube over the third surface which is coated with the finest grit of all three surfaces, and proceeds to file the nail to their satisfaction.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore the object of this invention to introduce a nail file device with multiple filing surfaces consisting of a variety of grits for personal grooming purposes.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a nail file device that has the general appearance of a lipstick case.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a nail file device with a rotatably adjustable window in its outer shell to allow the user to expose the desired sized grit for smoothing the face of the nail.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a nail file device wherein the rotatably adjustable window can be positioned to a location where no grit is located so as to protect the other locations with grit.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a nail file device with a hole in its end to accommodate key chains and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The attached drawings are included to provide additional understanding of the invention and are to be considered part of this description that illustrates the embodiments of the invention, and together with the detailed description provide an explanation of the principles of the invention.

Wherein the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the components making up the protected multi-sided fingernail file showing the retaining cap, inner rectangular piece, outer tube and end cap.

FIG. 1A is a cut-away view of the end of the rectangular inner piece showing the three nail grooming surfaces and the one inner surface free of grit.

FIG. 2 is a cut-away view of the end of the assembly showing the window in the outer tube and the rounded corners of the interior piece to which the grit is adhered to on three of its sides.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention from the front and side, showing the grit through the slotted opening of the tube.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is referred to generally in FIGS. 1 to 3 by the reference numeral 10 and is intended to provide for an illustration for the construction of the nail file and is the preferred embodiment. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the figures.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 1A, the protected multi-sided fingernail file grooming device 10 includes an elongated hollow cylindrical tube 20 and elongated generally rectangular inner piece 30 with nail grooming surfaces 41, 42, and 43 which are individually exposed through window 25 of outer tube 20. During non-use, window 25 may be rotated to a location over the inner piece surface 44 where there is no nail grooming surface present thereby protecting the other grooming surfaces from dirt and debris. The absence of any grit material on inner piece surface 44 allows for the printing of a logo, advertisement, or other message.

Nail grooming flat surfaces 41, 42, and 43 consist of abrasive sand grain particles of varying density herein identified as low (coarse), medium and high (fine) density grit respectively which have been applied to it. The higher the grit number, or grain density, the smoother the file. Different types of nails files are designed for different uses; therefore it is important to select the right one. For natural nails, a fine-grit cushion file is gentle yet effective. Coarse files (80-100 grit) are best for acrylic nail extensions. Medium files (240-600 grit) are best for removing small bumps, ridges or discolorations and for shaping the free edge of natural nails. Fine files (600-2400 grit) are used for buffing and shining all types of nails. Metal grit is avoided as they are harsh and can even split nails. The grit material typically is applied to paper sheet with an adhesive backing which is then attached to the inner piece 30.

According to some embodiments, a flexible paper sheet includes a first side suitable for use as a nail grooming surface and a second adhesive side opposite the first side. For example, the flexible sheet has a roughened surface on one side and a peel-and-stick type adhesive surface on the other side. For example, the roughened surface may correspond to a desired grit of sandpaper. The flexible sheet may then be secured to one of the three nail grooming surfaces 41, 42, and 43 of the inner piece 30 structure. An advantage of the aspect of this invention is that with three flexible strips present, the end user, depending upon the nail configuration to be groomed, may select the best grit size for their situation.

The nail grooming structures described herein may be provided by any suitable manufacturing techniques. For example, for a device made of plastic, the inner and outer pieces may be molded with retaining and end caps 70 and 80 respectively. Another option is to individually machine the components out of plastic, or metal.

It is easier to locate a nail grooming device when it is attached to something used on a daily basis such as a key ring. With the present invention, thru hole 90 at the base of the inner piece 30 is provided. This also allows the device to be conveniently hung on conventional retail store hooks.

With reference to FIG. 2, the major length of inner piece 30 is of rectangular shape with four beveled corners 31. A cross sectional face of the inner piece is generally square in shape, the diagonal of which is just undersized so as to fit snugly within cylindrical tube 20 thereby allowing tube 20 to be rotated with minimal effort while holding onto inner piece 30 near protrusion 91.

FIG. 3 shows the device in a typical configuration for use with one of the grooming surfaces exposed. An advantage of the present invention is this file can be put into a purse without scratching sun glasses and other contents which typically happens with nail files available today. The device in its typical configuration would be approximately five inches long and ⅜″ in diameter making it suitable for storage and transport in a pocket or purse.

The protected multi-sided fingernail file described and illustrated herein is a preferred embodiment of the invention along with some of its variations. The terms, descriptions and figures used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention in which all terms are meant in their broadest, reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a protected multi-sided sided nail grooming device with inner component having three nail grooming structure receiving surfaces and one non-nail grooming structure receiving surface; and the nail grooming structures affixed to said nail grooming structure receiving surfaces and comprising a flexible substrate having a front surface and rear surface, said rear surface having an adhesive thereon for securing the substrate to the nail grooming structure receiving surface and said each front surface having a roughened surface comprising a layer of sandpaper consisting of sandpaper grit density differing from the other two said front surfaces; and a rotatably adjustable outer cap over said inner component consisting of an elongated window opening of sufficient size to individually expose said three nail grooming structures and said non-nail grooming structure receiving surface.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said nail grooming structures consists one each of low, medium, and high density sandpaper grits.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said non-nail grooming structure receiving surface contains no nail grooming structure. 